Blood Pressure Quiz

Do you know your risk factors for high blood pressure? You can’t do anything about some risk factors. But other risk factors can be changed. Learn about the risk factors for high blood pressure by taking this quiz.

1. How often should you have your blood pressure checked?

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

Every two to three years if it's normal. Follow your physician's advice if it's not.

A. Every year
B. Every two to three years
C. Every five years
D. Every 10 years

A. Obesity
B. A family history of hypertension
C. Smoking
D. All of the above

5. At what point is blood pressure considered hypertensive?

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

This reading (140 over 90) indicates stage one hypertension. A blood pressure of 120/80 to 129/89 is termed prehypertension. Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80. If either the systolic (higher number) or diastolic (lower number) is in one of the ranges listed above, that is the category that you are in. So, for example, if you blood pressure were 122/70 consistently, you would be called prehypertensive.

A. 120 over 80
B. 130 over 85
C. 140 over 90
D. 210 over 120

6. Hypertension is the main cause of which of these?

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

Over time, high blood pressure damages blood vessels (conditions called arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis), causing an increased risk for not only stroke, but also heart attacks and kidney disease.

A. Cancer
B. Strokes
C. Diabetes
D. Congestive heart failure

7. Which of these contribute to hypertension?

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

Excessive drinking increases heart rate, which puts pressure on vessel walls. Three to five drinks a day over a long period can cause hypertension.

A. High vitamin C consumption
B. High alcohol consumption
C. High calcium consumption
D. All of the above

8. In which age group does the risk for hypertension jump dramatically?

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

Aging directly correlates to an increase in risk.

A. 40 to 49
B. 50 to 59
C. 60 to 69
D. 70 to 79

9. Why does reducing salt intake help prevent hypertension in some people?

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

People who are sensitive to salt have blood pressure that reacts significantly to salt. The USDA Dietary Guidelines recommend that all Americans limit sodium (salt) to less than 2,300 mg (about one teaspoon) a day. People over age 51 and those of any age who are African-American or have high blood pressure, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease should limit sodium to 1,500 mg or less.